Surgical tipping apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus and method for ultrasonically forming a surgical suture tip from a length of unfinished surgical suture material. The apparatus includes a first tipping die having a first face for contacting a portion of the length of unfinished surgical suture material. A second tipping die having a second face is also provided. The first and second die also having extending therefrom a first member and a second member. The first and second dies cooperate with the first and second members to form a length of suture. At least one mechanical actuator is provided for moving the first face of the first tipping die and the third face of the first member toward the second face of the second tipping die and the fourth face of the second member. A second actuator vibrates at least one of the first and second tipping dies at an ultrasonic frequency of about 15 KHz to about 70 KHz. The method of ultrasonically forming a suture tip comprises the positioning a surgical suture between the first, second, third and fourth faces of the tipping apparatus then vibrating the dies at an appropriate frequency.

I claim:  
     
       1. A method for ultrasonically forming a tip portion of a surgical suture, comprising 
       positioning a tip portion of a surgical suture material at a location between a first die face, a second die face, a third die face and a fourth die face of an ultrasonic welding device;  
       contacting said tip portion with said first die face, said second die face, said third die face, and said fourth die face of said ultrasonic welding device to form said tip portion into a shape capable of being inserted into a needle; and  
       vibrating at least one of said die faces at an ultrasonic frequency of about 15 KHz to 70 KHz for a time sufficient to ultrasonically weld said tip portion of said surgical suture into said shape.  
     
     
       2. The method of claim  1  wherein said first die face and third die face are advanced to contact said second and fourth die faces. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim  1  wherein said first die face, said second die face, said third die face, and fourth die face cooperate to compress the surgical suture. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim  1  wherein after said suture is welded into the desired shape said first die face, said second die face, said third die face and fourth die face are separated from said suture and said suture is cut to the desired length. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim  4  wherein said suture is formed to provide a circular cross-section. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim  1  wherein after said suture is welded into the desired shape said first die face, said second die face, said third die face and fourth die face are separated from said suture and said suture is attached to a needle.